Lent Day 13: Open ears to the cries of others

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18   NIV

Holding his child in the flood waters

“Life is pretty close to ideal,” said a friend. “We are well-off financially, our children are trouble-free, and we have a lot of friends.”

That was Job’s life, too. He had wealth, health, friends, and the respect of his community. Then he lost everything. His health deteriorated. His friends avoided him. Bystanders judged and mocked him. And his good life turned to a distant memory.

Here’s a challenging question. Have you thought about or prayed for Syrian, Iraqi, and Ukrainian families recently? We can read the horrors of their experiences or watch the news on TV. Most had a stable life before political and religious conflicts tore up their towns. They’ve been scattered across the world, pushed into poverty, and displaced from normal comforts. Many have lost children or parents. They are hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. Dying before our eyes.

Sooner or later, trouble finds every person. It will come to us, too. Are we thankful for our blessings in good times? Do we spend time, energy, and prayers, binding up the brokenhearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit? Or are we too comfortable to notice them?

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